Frequently Asked Questions

Q.	Is there a fee for Services ?
A.	No
Q.	Can I file a discrimination charge anonymously?
A.	No. In order to investigate a charge, there are forms that must be completed and signed as well as a detailed description of what is alleged to have occurred.
Q.	If I live in a different county and want to file a discrimination charge against my employer may I do so?
A.	The only requirement is that the citizen actually work within the jurisdiction of the Human Relations Commission (New Hanover County, City of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach). Exceptions may be when an individual works under a contract and/or works for an out of state employer. In many situations, some employment issues must be validated before the staff can investigate the complaint.
Q.	I work in New Hanover County and tried to file a charge of discrimination against my employer but was told that I would have to file with another agency. Why can’t the Human Relations Commission investigate my charge?
A.	Concerns that are outside the Commission’s jurisdiction are routed to the appropriate agency at the local, state, or federal level.
Q.	I feel that I should be able to have the Commission investigate my case within 30 days. Why should I have to wait longer than that?
A.	The investigative process is not simple. A great deal of correspondence may occur between the parties involved and any witnesses. Sometimes people may not easily be contacted; they may move or simply not respond immediately. Many times information requested may involve research which in itself is time consuming. Oftentimes, data must be compiled. There are a number of reasons why an investigation is an exhaustive and time consuming process.
Q.	Why can’t other agencies file discrimination charges as the Human Relations Commission does?
A.	There are complicated reasons. One is the fact that the Human Relations Commission has enforcement powers that other agencies may not have. This means that if an employer or housing service provider does not cooperate with the Commission by providing requested information, the Commission can subpoena the information.
Q.	I am an employer and have received a letter stating that a discrimination charge has been filed against my company for harassment. I have received information by a member of staff that suggests that he did in fact witness an employee being discriminated against. I want to do the right thing, but I do not want to go to court or have this incident reported to the newspapers. How can I prevent this from happening?
A.	The Investigator will explain the options to the respondent, or person receiving the charge. An agreement could be drawn up called a negotiated settlement to which both parties must agree. Such an arrangement is confidential and does not become a matter of public record.